The Higley Unified Governing Board voted 4-1 Jan. 27 to move forward with $3.5 million in staff reductions for the next school year as it grapples with a projected $7.8 million budget deficit.
To achieve the $3.5 million reduction, 37 teacher and teacher-support positions and 8.5 non-teaching positions will be eliminated for the 2026-27 school year. The district hopes to accomplish the cuts through attrition, meaning vacancies created when employees leave will not be filled.
The $3.5 million was one of three options presented to the board, with $3 million the smallest and $4.9 million the largest…